I can’t tell you what that first night down at Willie Mitchell’s nightclub on Beale Street was like for me back in 19881994 (ed note: thanks Archie), the night Charley Burch first took me in to meet the man himself. I couldn’t tell you because, well, I was young and unscrupulous back then and, not to mention, so much fun was being had, I felt like I was spending a New Year’s with my own family. MORE »
*** UPDATE: ***JesseCASH has set up a donation page requesting assistance to go directly to Vic’s family. Click here to be taken to the donation page. (via Kristin Hersh)
With a heavy heart, we can now verify that indeed, sadly, of one of the Athens music scene’s most enduring figures, songwriter and guitarist Vic Chesnutt, has died. The cause of death is suicide.
Surrounded by family and friends, Vic Chesnutt died in Athens Georgia this afternoon, Friday 25 December at 14:59.
Apparently, some Christmas Eve confusion about the condition of Athens songwriter Vic Chesnutt, who was reported to be in a coma on Thursday, has led to speculation about rumors surrounding his reported death. Stories have swarmed on Twitter and on various blogs this evening about his death. It now appears that two sources which carried notice about his passing, Billboard and Athens Blur, have pulled their stories.
Right now, we don’t know what’s going. Under whatever circumstances, we wish the best to Vic Chesnutt, his friends, family and many fans around the world this Christmas day. (HT: Brooklyn Vegan)
[Songs Of Survival And Reflection: 'At The Cut' (NPR, 12/1/09)]
The story of the 1970’s teenage all-girl rock band The Runaways is one for the ages in both rock ‘n roll and punk rock. To read it in print exposes one to the extreme highs and lows that life in the world of rock and roll and punk rock proffers its disciples. The notion of watching the story unfold on screen promises to engage those unfamiliar with The Runaways a slice of cinematic intrigue with the all-too-true story of Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, Sandy West and Lita Ford.
Picture, then, the story of four teenaged girls who form a rock band in Los Angeles leading them to early fame, an unlikely connection to the newly-emerging scene of punk rock and sold out shows the world over. Their true story, as told by director Floria Sigismondi will feature expected breakout performances from two of Hollywood’s respected young actors: Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie. From the looks of this short trailer, there’s good reason for us to remain interested and optimistic about the finished film.
Two key recordings which serve as bookends to Elliott Smith’s catalogue of solo recordings, Roman Candle (his first) and From A Basement on the Hill (ostensibly, his last), are being reissued by Kill Rock Stars on 6 April 2010. Roman Candle, Elliott’s first album, was issued by Portland’s Cavity Search Records in 1994. For the Kill Rock Stars reissue, Roman Candle been remastered by Smith family archivist Larry Crane. Crane, the respected long-time editor of Tape Op Magazine, served in several engineering capacities on Elliott’s work over the course of his career, predominantly as owner and operator of Jackpot! Recordings where Elliott recorded many of his earliest works. MORE »
Along comes a video for yet another totally ill track off Skewby’s epic “Proving You Wrong Since 1988″ mixtape which, if you don’t have already, you can get by clicking here and downloading it, aiight?
With free downloads from St. Vincent, Deerhunter, Camera Obscura, The Mountain Goats and M. Ward just to name a few, famed UK label 4AD has unleashed a free downloadable sampler of their 2009 releases in time for the holidays. Follow the links above to listen or download from 4AD.
Editor’s note: This is just a copy/pasta press release. I’m in a hurry & don’t have time to detail my thoughts, but you should definitely mark your calendar and check this out.
Matisyahu’s Festival of Light to be Streamed as a Live Webcast via Ustream on Sunday, December 20!
The closing night of Matisyahu’s 4th annual Festival of Light, an eight-night run of shows in NYC during the eight nights of Hanukkah, will be streamed live from the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Sunday, December 20th, beginning at 7:45 p.m. EST. The live webcast is powered by Ustream, the leader in live broadcasting on the web. Viewers can watch and interact during the event at www.Ustream.com/Matisyahu. Opener Kevin Devine hits the stage at 7:45 p.m. EST and Matisyahu is on at 8:45 p.m. EST. Visit Ustream early and you may get a sneak peak into Matisyahu’s dressing room and backstage happenings.
2009 has been an incredible year for Matisyahu, releasing acclaimed third album Light (Epic Records) to rave reviews, lending anthemic lead single “One Day” as the theme song for NBC’s Winter Olympics campaign and amassing more than 1 million followers on Twitter. He’s been playing to packed houses during his massively successful North American tour, bringing his fans a show that can be labeled nothing short of an experience. With an intense energy and a vibrant presence, Matisyahu is one of the most dynamic and captivating live performers in music today. With his prolific lyrics, epic choruses and genre-spanning music, he effortlessly transcends classification to claim a space all his own. With influences spanning reggae-soul, ska-inflected new wave, pop-rock and acoustic folk, his new collection of songs is tied together with triumphant melodies and his powerful and distinct voice – a voice that calls for peace, hope and understanding.
Be sure to catch Matisyahu’s live brilliance during his live webcast Sunday, December 20, at 7:45 p.m. EST at www.Ustream.com/Matisyahu.
Not much more to say other than you can download the latest issue, guest-edited by Animal Collective, by clicking on this here spot right charr.
